Techniques Guide
Crafting is more than a hobby—it’s a creative outlet that allows you to bring beauty, personality, and meaning into your everyday life. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just beginning your journey, exploring art and craft techniques can spark inspiration and unlock your potential. This blog is the space for those who thrive on vibrant visuals, intricate designs, and the satisfaction of hands-on creation. From painting that turns blank canvases into stunning masterpieces to adult coloring that transforms simple outlines into vibrant works of art, weaving that creates intricate textures, and collage that brings diverse elements together into a cohesive design, we’re here to celebrate your unique style and help you create with confidence.
I love the textural aesthetic of hand painted textiles. I recently started painting textiles for my craft booth. I decided to make my signs and banners for my booth hoping to attract customers and really communicate my brand. I never felt that the tablecloths in the market and vinyl signs ever fit my colorful, modern aesthetic.
This is the Sew House Seven Tea House Dress done my way. Using cherry red chambray that I bought over a year ago, I decided to make this gorgeous pattern my own.
Add some bold color to your life! Now in the store. Available in Eye See You print and Found My Tribe print in multiple colors.
I’ve been tinkering. Inspired (and a little jelly) by some amazing printmakers on Instagram. Follow #SurfacePatternDesign or #Blockprinting and you will see marvelous things. I started creating linocuts at the end of last year. As shown here in the Make It Work piece. I embroidered on top of the print.
Other Craft Resources
Embroidery Stitch Guide
A V-shaped stitch used for borders, creating plant stems, filling textures, and other creative uses.
Color Guide
Upcycle broken crayons into fun heart shaped crayons for Valentine’s Day or for any day. Learn how to create crayons using color theory while also doing a fun STEAM project with your children.
Shop Craft Projects
I'm obsessed with A Court of Thorns and Roses series. Maybe you are too. This downloadable embroidery pattern pdf is for someone like us. The tattoo of the eye that Feyre receives in ACOTAR book 1 is the inspiration for this pattern. The pattern includes suggested embroidery stitches to complete your own version of Feyre's bargain. You'll have fun creating this while listening to the ACOTAR audiobook for the millionth time.
Download the pdf pattern and get it in your inbox immediately. The design fits on one sheet of letter size or A4 paper. Instructions and suggestions for using the pattern are included in the pdf. Check your inbox for suggestions of stitches for this pattern.
This artwork is copyrighted to Alyson Toone-Aguilar. Unlicensed professional reproductions and selling of this artwork are prohibited. Downloaded artwork is for personal use only.
If you are A Court of Thorns and Roses fan, this embroidery pattern is for you. This downloadable embroidery pattern pdf features Rhysand's toast in A Court of Mist and Fury "To the stars and to the dreams that are answered." The Night Court insignia frames the ACOMAF quote. Just as described in the Sarah J. Maas' ACOTAR series, the Night Court insignia features the mountain, Ramiel surrounded by three stars. The starry sky is a gradated blackwork pattern of 6-pointed stars like the star featured in Feyre's sapphire ring. Read more about my inspiration here.
Download the pdf pattern and get it in your inbox immediately. The design fits on one sheet of letter size or A4 paper. Suggestions for using the pattern are included in the pdf. The pdf includes step by step directions of creating the blackwork patterned sky.
This artwork is copyrighted to Alyson Toone-Aguilar. Unlicensed professional reproductions and selling of this artwork are prohibited. Downloaded artwork is for personal use only.
What is blackwork?
Blackwork embroidery is a traditional form of counted-thread embroidery that uses black thread, typically on white or light-colored fabric. Originating from Spain and popularized in England during the 16th century, it often features geometric patterns, repeating designs, and intricate floral or scrollwork motifs. While black thread is the most common, other colors can also be used. The style is characterized by its contrast, simplicity, and emphasis on patterns rather than large areas of filled color. Blackwork is often used to decorate clothing, household linens, and accessories.
STEAM Rating
Rated M for Mathematics because of the geometry of stars and patterning. Pattern is important to STEM fields such as computer science for creating algorithims and coding. Finding patterns also important for data analyzation. This project is a great way to exercise your mind while also relaxing your soul.
Love A Court of Thorns and Roses series? You may enjoy this downloadable embroidery pattern pdf featuring Rhysand's quote "There you are. I've been looking for you." The ACOTAR quote is surrounded by swirls that are an interpretation of the shadow daddy's dark power. At the top of the design are three 6-pointed stars that indicate the Night Court.
Download the pdf pattern and get it in your inbox immediately. The design fits on one sheet of letter size or A4 paper. Instructions and suggestions for using the pattern are included in the pdf.
This artwork is copyrighted to Alyson Toone-Aguilar. Unlicensed professional reproductions and selling of this artwork are prohibited. Downloaded artwork is for personal use only.
Colors are important to the world around us. But why does color matter? Learn how color can be used and affects our environment.